Old truck for new O/O

Rawze sure wants everyone to know he has no association with any deleted vehicles. Doesn’t recommend, suggest, or in any way form or fashion approve of such actions. I think he’s a bit paranoid since they started handing out stiff fines. Lol. Just saying the word delete on his website will probably get someone banned for life. Lol. He’s made a killing figuring out how to make lemon Internationals with problem Cummins emissions systems work. The Guy cracks me up.

 

I’ve been using a 16 Freightliner since Sept 19ish, DD15.
Only had a couple sensors go bad.
It’s got 653k miles on it, had 406…409k one or other when I bought it, i’d have to look back in paperwork.
I haven’t put many miles for the years I’ve had it.
Not saying all will do it, but maintence goes a long way, driving the one your in let’s you know how it’s been cared for, like a long test drive.

 

No matter how reliable new trucks are, one rules still stands. Less crap on the truck = less headaches = easier to fix.

 

You really need to read what @Arctic_fox went through. He’s the most tenacious MoFo I know of. He ordered a new truck. While you’re reading and researching, you need to read what @Siinman has regularly posted. He has a similar trajectory right into a new truck. Lastly, I’d suggest looking into manufacturer truck leases, as they’re a flat-rate monthly fee, no maintenance responsibility for you, and anytime there’s a breakdown, they’re obligated to provide you with a replacement.

 

Fair Market Value

 

Provided one has the facility, tools, and knowledge, older stuff is an option. You’ve no idea how badly I’d love to do a body-off, frame-up custom FLD. But, I lack the first two, plus time and funds.

 

Time and money are illusions.
What i’ve learned, it’s out there, if you want it, go get it, no one will give you anything.

 

Buying old iron right off the bat you're *probably looking at

Tires
Shocks
Kingpins, bushings
Alignment probably
Maybe some wheel seals, bearings, U joints
Radiator, probably near future if it's original
Wiring issues
Need to replace the fuel lines from the tanks if it hasn't been done in 20+ years
HVAC system/AC
Cab mount bushings
Lots of nickle and dime that adds up quickly

And then rust/rot if it spent a lot of time in the north

 

You want to make money or constantly fix your equipment and use up your savings on repairs?

A truck payment is peanuts compared to fuel/insurance rates(MC)

Can you serve a customer if you are constantly fixing your truck?

Truck prices have not risen higher than comparable to everything else. The cost a of a nice specd pickup that makes you no money can be about 28% of a new truck that is a business investment.

What is the fuel savings of a new truck to old iron? Does it vastly out score even if you replace all emissions systems items at 600k? Are the newest trucks plagued with all the headaches older emission truck were?

Are you going to trust guys on the internet to tell you how you should run your business or be careful? The ones giving advance, are they doing outstanding currently or struggling?

Is this the time to jump in? Would it be best right as you exit the lowest point to capitalize on used equipment prices and an upwards turn in the market? Is your crystal ball serviceable? What is you saved up 150k and jumped in? Would that help or hurt your chances?

Have you recently eaten at a Waffle House?

 

You could get a new midroof volvo for around 190k a few months back.